U.S. Naval Institute Naval History & Heritage Command

Art is unique and personal. Everyone knows what they like, but not everyone can agree on what they like. Navy Art is the same way. Each staff member has their own personal favorite pieces in the collection and various reasons why those few pieces stand out. This week, I am going to share one of my personal favorites.

I like submarines. The technology related to sinking a metal tube and bringing it back to surface is pretty amazing. Of course there is also the power behind them – from hand cranks, to diesel engines and now nuclear power… just remarkable. I have been lucky enough to go on a “ride along” on a submarine and this image reminds of that wonderful day I to got to stand in the sail and watch the waves crest and fall over the hull.

USS Nathanael Greene was one of the “41 for Freedom,” nuclear-powered submarines designed to carry antiballistic missiles. They served in the forefront of the Cold War, keeping the nation’s nuclear arsenal mobile and therefore able to respond to a surprise attack.

The Navy Art Collection has over 18,000 paintings, prints, drawings, and sculpture. It contains depictions of naval ships, personnel, and action from all eras of U.S. naval history, but due to the operation of the Combat Art Program, the eras of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Shield/Storm are particularly well represented. The Branch manages the art collection, produces exhibits, loans artwork to museums and institutions, and provides research assistance on the art collection.